Thank You 2017, Hello 2018

2017 has been good to us at The Patatas. We have seen the team grow, along with our projects. We looked back at 2017 and remembered the people we met, the things we learned. Each of us has different learning points and hopes for 2018 but there’s one thing we have in common – we want to continue repurposing innovation and using technology to make a positive impact in the communities we are working in. Here’s us sharing about what we are thankful for in 2017 and what we hope for 2018!

“2017 definitely held many challenges for us, but I feel that we have learned much from it. We’ve met many interesting people and have multiple projects lined for 2018, which are all aimed at helping those that are often neglected by societal norms. For me, one quote always stands out as a lighthouse amidst the uncertainty of life – “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act.” Here’s to 2018!” – Janan

“In 2017, I was tasked with the revamping of our website. I sought to build bridges and remove barriers and allowing others see our vision through their eyes. The website is more than digital technology. It is the window to our organization. I hope we can help more children and communities through digital education in 2018. I hope to bring technology solutions to the underrepresented communities so that they are able to reach their maximum potential.” – John

“2017 has been very interesting and I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to do the things I do here at The Patatas. It is a constant learning journey and I am always picking up new skills through our projects and the people we meet. It was a challenge to produce, film and edit a series of videos for Project Digi Eskwela but it was fulfilling to see the end product. It was also an absolute joy to meet people, hear their stories and being able to help share their stories. It was a humbling experience and I will always hold the memory close to my heart.

The team has expanded this year and it has been pretty exciting with the new knowledge they brought to the team. I can’t wait to see what 2018 will bring! I hope to be able to work with more communities and partners who too believe that technology can change their lives. I also hope that I will continue to do things that are out of my comfort zone. Thank you 2017 and I can’t wait for what 2018 has in store for us!” – Peixian

“Time flew by and we are almost at the end of 2017. It has been a fruitful year learning at Patatas; working with Tiwala teachers, experiencing the struggles and success in programming a micro-computer for our projects. I am very thankful for the numerous learning opportunities that helped me improved my interpersonal communication and time management skills.

As we step into 2018, I wish to further develop more skills and knowledge as a challenge to better myself. As the saying goes, “One does not know his limits if he does not challenge one’s own self”. I hope my skills and knowledge will help Patatas in our future projects and able to impart the learning to our partners. Thank you 2017 and I am already looking forward to 2018! ” – Rick

“Been having a great time since I joined in October. This is a great team of people with great passion for helping the less privileged. They are always exploring new ways to improve on various aspects of the project. Refining the project to simplify work processes or integrate new technologies to improve the system.

As I used to work in a rather technical role in a laboratory, much of my work was a fraction of the whole. The work now, however, requires me to not only think about solutions for the technical side, I also have to consider the implementation of solutions such as lowering cost and improving user-friendliness. With 2017 coming to an end, I hope to be able to contribute more in 2018 as I learn to explore solutions from not only the technical end but also as a user.” – Cheng Yi

Thank you 2017 for the experiences and we are looking forward to 2018!